Telecom operators invest N2.13trn in network upgrades as NCC moves to improve service quality

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) invested more than N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades in 2025 as part of efforts to improve service quality and expand telecommunications coverage across the country.

The Commission said tower infrastructure companies also committed an additional N373.8 billion to network expansion, bringing total industry investment to over N2.5 trillion during the period.

In a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, the Commission acknowledged growing public concerns over poor telecommunications services in some parts of the country but assured subscribers that ongoing infrastructure investments are beginning to deliver measurable improvements.

According to the statement, the investments enabled the deployment and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecommunications sites nationwide in 2025, helping to address network coverage gaps and improve capacity in high-demand locations.

“The NCC recognises the frustration experienced by consumers when calls drop, internet speeds slow down, data services become unstable, or service disruptions affect daily activities,” Ukoha said.

He noted that telecommunications services have become essential for work, education, business, financial transactions and access to critical public services, adding that consumers deserve reliable services that match the value they pay for.

The Commission said improving Quality of Service (QoS) has remained one of its key regulatory priorities over the past two years through intensified monitoring of Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers and tower companies, as well as stronger data-driven oversight and collaboration with relevant government institutions.

According to the NCC, Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is currently undergoing one of its most significant network modernisation programmes in recent years following a prolonged period of under-investment.

The ongoing upgrades include the deployment of additional 4G and 5G capacity on existing sites, expansion of fibre-optic backhaul infrastructure, targeted investments in high-traffic urban centres, rollout of services to underserved communities and the replacement of ageing network equipment.

The Commission said the expansion programme has continued into 2026 to support Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy and rising demand for broadband services.

It disclosed that operators have committed to deploying and upgrading more than 12,000 telecommunications sites this year, with nearly 3,000 sites already completed.

The NCC also revealed that over 730 new 5G sites have been deployed across 27 states so far in 2026 as part of efforts to improve high-speed broadband availability.

The Commission noted that subscriber migration to faster networks has continued, with 4G penetration increasing from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent, while the country’s median mobile download speed has improved from 16.5 Mbps to 20 Mbps over the same period.

In addition, power availability at telecommunications towers has risen from a national average of 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent, further enhancing network reliability.

The NCC reiterated its commitment to working with operators and other stakeholders to improve network performance, expand broadband access and ensure consumers receive better quality telecommunications services nationwide.